Newcastle United dealt fresh injury blow with six players at risk of missing West Ham clash

Newcastle United could be without as many as six senior players for Sunday’s trip to West Ham United.

Back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow has become the latest casualty after picking up an ankle injury during training on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old immediately went for a scan that showed ligament damage, which NewcastleWorld understands will rule Darlow, who is on crutches and wearing a protective boot, out for a few months.

With Nick Pope and Mark Gillespie the club’s remaining fit goalkeeper, United have wasted no time in sourcing a replacement.

Indeed, Loris Karius is undergoing a medical on Tyneside having become a free agent following his release from Liverpool in June.

Newcastle must register Karius by the end of today in order to name him in their 25-man Premier League squad.

And depending on the 29-year-old’s fitness levels, he could be named on the bench against the Hammers on Sunday.

Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin update

Two players pushing for a return this weekend are Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin, who have been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Guimaraes has missed United’s previous three fixtures versus Wolves, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, while Saint-Maximin was absent from the latter two.

Whether or not the pair recover in time for the visit to the capital remains to be seen.

“I’ve been working hard for this,” Guimaraes said, when if he’d be back versus West Ham. “It’s my goal, but I don’t know if I’ll be ready.

“I know I need to answer this question for many fans today. I’m doing my best to be ready as much as possible.”

Saint-Maximin scored a stunning late goal on his last appearance to earn his side a point at Molineux.

Callum Wilson “slightly behind”

Callum Wilson, meanwhile, is believed to be “slightly behind” Guimaraes and Saint-Maximin in his recovery.

The 30-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during the 3-3 draw with Manchester City and has also missed the last three top-flight games.

“I’ve had a bit of setback,” Wilson told the BBC Footballer’s Football Podcast last week. “It’s disappointing because I started the season well, I found my form and rhythm.

“It’s only a couple of weeks but it’s a couple of weeks I haven’t got to lose, especially last year with my Achilles issue and then this year with a little tweak in my hamstring.

“It’s frustrating because you do everything right. I’m the ultimate professional, there are probably not many in the dressing room who can say they are more professional than myself in terms of the way I live, eat, sleep and recover. That’s the most frustrating thing – you’re putting your heart and soul to make sure you stay fit.

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“Little setbacks are fine. And what I’ve had to do is put it into perspective. At the start of the season someone said ‘right Cal, you’re going to play 35 games this year’, I’d snap their hand off, I’d be buzzing. Really, I’ve got to look at it like that.

“Ultimately, throughout the season, players are going to miss a game here and there. If I end up playing 35 games, this little injury and setback here isn’t looked upon. That’s how I’ve put it into myself. Few weeks I’ll be back, I just don’t want to rush anything. I’ll make sure I’m back in full working order very, very soon.”

It is hoped Wilson can return in time to face former club Bournemouth at St James’ Park next Saturday.

The long-term injuries

Emil Krafth joined Jonjo Shelvey as a long-term injury after an ACL injury against Tranmere Rovers last month ruled him out for the next six to nine months.

Shelvey is expected to return before the New Year. And whilst the World Cup is on between November and December, the midfielder will use that period as a mini pre-season, potentially returning for United’s Boxing Day clash at Leicester City.